Random Ramsdom Part 2 11/19: Rams Jettisoned from Playoff Race

For the first time of the Jeff Fisher era, boos rained down from an emptying Edward Jones Dome. The St. Louis Rams were embarrassed on their own turf by a team few projected to win the game.

This was supposed to be a statement game for the offense and defense alike, but in a much more positive way. Neither unit performed after the first quarter.

It's going to be a long week for the Rams as they prepare to travel to Arizona. In the meantime, how ‘bout some links?

Rams shellacked by Jets - If you happened to miss this game, consider yourself lucky. The Rams' 27 - 3 drubbing by the New York Jets was their worst defeat on the year. The Bears and Patriots are vastly superior to St. Louis; the Jets should not have been.

In all too familiar form, the Rams sprinted out of the gate for an early, impressive lead. The last three quarters belonged to the Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez. For the fifth consecutive game, the defense left the field without forcing a single turnover.

Rams report card - It's time for a parent-teacher conference, because these students lack discipline and motivation. The only position to receive a higher than average grade was the running back unit, which earned a "C+," largely due to a costly Daryl Richardson fumble. The coaching staff and secondary emphatically failed, while Sam Bradford appeared to take a big step back. Why did Steven Jackson, who averaged 6.2 yards per run, carry the ball only 13 times?

Sando's post-game wrap-up - Mark Sanchez made the Rams defense look pedestrian, which is something I never thought I would say. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 179 yards and a score. Watching Danny Amendola hobble his way to the sideline every week is causing many fans to worry.

Keys to the game answered - One area which the Rams have struggled with all year is moving the chains on third down. That was equally true yesterday as the offense converted only 5 of 16 attempts. On defense, St. Louis held the Jets to less than 4 yards per carry, but a guy you had likely never heard of prior - Bilal Powell - gashed them for two touchdowns.

Special teams one play from big day - All of the momentum that the Rams may have taken into this game was lost when a holding penalty wiped out a 98-yard Chris Givens kickoff return. The touchdown would have given them a 14 - 13 lead, but Rodney McLeod was flagged far in St. Louis territory. Janoris Jenkins, who made his return after being benched in San Francisco, blocked a Nick Foles field goal early in the first quarter.

Falcons beat Cardinals 23 - 19 - The Arizona Cardinals came close - very close - to handing the Atlanta Falcons their second loss in a row. Ryan Lindley, a rookie sixth-round pick, replaced John Skelton behind center after the incumbent was benched. Matt Ryan threw 5 interceptions and was held without a touchdown. Arizona remains in third place in the NFC West after falling to 4 - 6.

Here's the evidence..